Different guitarsound in recording vs playback

first thing to check would be how does it sound when monitoring through the MOTU (as this includes the AD-DA from the MOTU), next would be to check if there any DSP options (e.g. EQ, compression) activated on the MOTU which add to the signal before it hits your HD (don't know what the 896 provides, but many interface have these options these days) ... others may have more ideas ...

This is from your other thread,, you where using a Line 6 and had the same issue... 
 
"Follow up. I did the test and did find my problem. I had the Input Gain of the track at a non zero value. The Input Gain control is bypassed during record/monitoring but (of course) not in playback.
 
As the official signal flow chart clearly shows, it is a feature not a bug but something critical to pay attention if you use amp simulation with effects sensible to input volume (like compressors): 
 
Thanks to all for your answers."
 
 
You said your issue was solved. So not sure what could be different. 
You solution is odd. Sonars level controls do not make any difference to what is recorded. 
The signal goes from your A/D- directly to your hard drive as data. Sonar is only monitoring this signal to show you it's working. 
If input echo is "ON" then it would make a difference to what your hearing. 
There's no point in monitoring with input echo unless your using Sonars effect on the track and wish to hear them in realtime. There's a danger of also hearing latency unless your system is capable, which your should be at lower buffer settings. 
But I think you should try using direct monitoring and see if that is the problem. After all your using outboard effects on your guitar so there's no need to use input echo. 
It might be ( like your other thread) you have not figured out how to set your interfaces GUI mixer like Fireberd has advised.